Animal Health Trust
News
Issue 70 I Spring 2011
In this issue:
- Eradication of hip and elbow
dysplasia a step closer
- Year of the pony
- Opening of Lanwades Park
- Mysty’s story
Mate Select - online dating for dogs!
- Sign up for SCI email alerts
The way you find a mate for your dog is about to be revolutionised,
thanks to the Kennel Club (KC) and the Animal Health Trust (AHT).
Developed by our scientists and the KC, ‘Mate Select’ is designed
to help breeders manage inbreeding and ensure, as far as
possible, the good health of the puppies they produce. The new
online toolbox will be available for all breeds.
This toolbox will enable breeders to access an individual dog’s
inbreeding score, as well as the average inbreeding score for any breed
recognised by the KC. Mate Select will also allow you to perform
hypothetical matings and predict the inbreeding score of the puppies.
We’re now working with the KC on developing the next stages of
Mate Select. We are developing statistical models so Estimated
Breeding Values (EBVs) for conditions such as hip and elbow
dysplasia can be calculated.
Animal Health Trust
We’re also researching new measures of genetic diversity for dog
breeds. Using an advanced scoring system we will be able to
understand the impact that using any particular dog will have on
the future diversity of a breed. We hope these additional features
will be launched before the end of 2011.
Lanwades Park
Mate Select is an innovative and cutting-edge development in
dog breeding. We’re very much looking forward to maintaining
and developing the science behind the system.
Fax: +44 (0)1638 555604
You can access Mate Select at www.thekennelclub.org.uk
Registered Charity No 209642
Kentford
Newmarket
Suffolk CB8 7UU
Telephone: +44 (0)1638 555648
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.aht.org.uk
2 I Animal Health Trust News
Mysty’s story
Mysty, a four-year-old Weimaraner, was referred to our
Neurology team after she had been hit by a car in Plymouth.
Her vet discovered that Mysty had a fractured skull among
other injuries and after initially being transferred to a
veterinary hospital at Estover, the decision was taken that in
order to give Mysty the maximum chance of survival and
return to normal function, our neurologists were the best
people to treat her.
Mysty underwent x-rays and an MRI scan to ascertain the extent of the damage. Victoria Doyle, one of our
Neurology team, operated on Mysty to remove the skull fragments and to repair the damaged tissues. The
fracture had affected one of the bones around Mysty’s eye meaning her eyelid was heavily swollen. One
week after her surgery Mysty was able to return home – she still has a little paresis on the left side of her face
which we hope will improve in time as Mysty seems determined not to be an invalid for too long!
Victoria said: “Mysty is a very lucky dog. We found flecks
of paint on her skull which meant we were able to know
what colour car it was that hit her! She’s an incredibly
positive dog and all the way through her treatment
remained incredibly bright and happy.”
Mysty’s owner, Pat Mayers, initially thought Mysty would
have to be put down: “I saw a great big L-shaped gash out
of the top of her head and thought that was it. But the vets
were absolutely fantastic at the AHT. Mysty is amazing now
- I can’t believe she has recovered so well.”
Text alert scheme launched for equine flu
We are working with Merial Animal Health on alerting vets and
professional keepers of horses to outbreaks of equine influenza in
the UK. When we confirm an outbreak, we notify Merial who then
send a text alert to anyone who has registered their mobile number
with them. In its first year the ‘Tell Tail’ service has issued 10 alerts to registered vets in nine counties.
If you are an equine vet or keep horses professionally and would like to sign up to the free text alert scheme, please
register on the Merial website www.merial.co.uk or text your name, practice and postcode to 07797 801863.
The text will let you know that equine flu has been diagnosed in a particular county. Vets can then contact
us for more details and send swabs to us for testing.
Equine Influenza Virus
Because ‘Tell Tail’ has been so popular, Merial is working on plans to launch
‘Tell Tail Plus’. This service will give vets the option of notifying their clients by
text message if flu is diagnosed in the local area. Merial hopes that ‘Tell Tail
Plus’ will be available later in 2011.
If you would like to read more about our equine flu surveillance programme,
please visit www.equiflunet.org.uk
3 I Animal Health Trust News
Sign up for Seasonal Canine Illness alerts!
Last autumn, we were asked by Sandringham Estate to investigate a mystery illness which was causing dogs
to become very ill and, in some cases, die.
We launched our investigation into Seasonal Canine Illness (SCI) at four sites – Sandringham Estate and
Thetford Forest in Norfolk, and Clumber Park and Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire.
More than 400 people who had walked their dogs in these areas completed questionnaires. From the 400,
20 per cent were from owners whose dogs had been taken ill with SCI. Of these, nearly one in five sadly died.
Our investigation is ongoing. We know that cases are generally seen
between August and November, that it can affect any size, shape or
sex of dog and that it causes dogs to become very ill, very quickly.
We also know it is important that we keep dog owners as informed
as possible with what we’re finding out. We plan to do this through
our website and email alerts.
If you would like to receive email alerts as soon as we have new
information then you can sign up for these on our website
www.aht.org.uk Just click on the story about SCI.
The most common
clinical signs of SCI are
sickness, diarrhoea and
lethargy. If you suspect
your dog is showing
symptoms of SCI then
please contact your vet
immediately.
There is a strong possibility that cases of SCI will reappear towards
late summer / autumn. If this does happen we want to be in a position
where we can pre-warn dogs owners about the risks and alert people
as soon as possible, enabling you to best protect your pet.
If you want to be kept up-to-date please sign up for the email alerts
and also encourage your dog-owning friends and family to do so.
Our aim is to eradicate SCI – whilst we do this we want as many
people as possible to know about it. The more people who can
recognise the symptoms or know that cases are reoccurring, the
better chance we have of minimising the number of dogs dying
from this mystery illness.
Breed club open days in 2011
Last year we held three breed club open days in our brand
new lecture theatre and conference facility. The events were
so successful we’ve decided to repeat them again this year.
The days, which are free of charge, consist of informative
lectures from AHT staff, plus tours of the small animal clinic.
For more information on this year’s open days, which will
take place on Saturday 14th May, Thursday 2nd June and a
date to be confirmed in September, please contact Sophia
Waters on 01638 555620 or email [email protected]
4 I Animal Health Trust News
Thank you for our new water treadmill
In our last newsletter we told you about our intrepid
swimming dogs and hydrotherapy team who undertook a
12-hour sponsored swim to raise money to buy a water
treadmill.
Thanks to the swimathon and all of those who contributed
to our Paddling Paws appeal we have now raised more than
£17,000 - enough money to buy the treadmill.
Our swimathon team
The treadmill will be delivered and installed shortly. Our team of hydrotherapy nurses has recently
completed the training needed to use the equipment.
Jo Handley-Howard, Head of Hydrotherapy at the AHT, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity
of our supporters. Raising enough to buy the treadmill has been a real milestone in the hydrotherapy unit’s
history. Thanks to everyone who donated – the new water treadmill will complement the existing pool and
mean we can help many more dogs to be pain-free.”
Looking after your horse’s legs
Long-term supporters of the AHT will remember a research project we carried out in 2006 which investigated
whether horses competing in a single competitive sport were at an increased risk of specific injuries.
The study showed that horses competing in elite showjumping were
more prone to injury in the distal deep digital flexor tendon (below
the fetlock) and superficial digital flexor tendon in the forelimbs.
These tendons are subjected to repetitive loading during jumping and
considerable strain on landing. We believe this potential overload
predisposes the tendon to injury in horses jumping high fences.
In dressage horses, injury to the suspensory ligament in the hindlimb
had the highest risk compared to other sports. The naturally
extravagant movement, and training in collection, of dressage horses
can put strain on the suspensory ligament. The results demonstrated
the importance of finding ways to minimize these risks in dressage
and showjumping horses.
Following on from this, our researchers turned their attentions to the
effects different training surfaces have on orthopaedic injuries. The
findings from this have been invaluable to owners and trainers of
dressage horses. We hope that the advice offered will reduce the
number and severity of injuries and also enable earlier diagnosis if
an injury does occur.
We are now undertaking a similar study looking at the association between different training surfaces and
injury in elite showjumping horses. Working with researchers in Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands,
we are using specialist equipment to test the properties of arena, training and competition surfaces. Funded
by the Fédération Equestre Internationale, World Horse Welfare and the World Class Performance
programme we hope the study will provide links to types of orthopaedic injury and thus inform owners and
trainers about possible risks.
We hope to have findings ready for publication later this year or in early 2012. Watch this space!
5 I Animal Health Trust News
Eradication of hip and elbow dysplasia a
step closer
The AHT has launched a new study aiming to eradicate two
genetically related diseases, hip and elbow dysplasia, in
Labrador Retrievers.
Working with researchers at The Roslin Institute and the
University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary
Studies, our scientists are aiming to create a diagnostic test
that will allow breeders to assess genetic risk for hip and elbow dysplasia in their dogs.
There is no cure for these developmental diseases which affect up to one in five Labrador Retrievers, often
causing joint malformation, pain and osteoarthritis, all usually resulting in lameness.
The introduction of a DNA test to identify genetic risk of hip and elbow dysplasia will:
●
improve welfare as it will not require dogs to undergo anaesthesia or be exposed to x-rays
●
allow breeders to test dogs soon after birth. Currently dogs cannot be tested until they are 12 months
old (BVA/KC scheme)
●
improve the ability of breeders to select against these debilitating diseases
●
result in much quicker progress towards the goal of eradicating hip and elbow dysplasia.
To collect information for the study, funded by the BBSRC, a simple questionnaire is being sent, through The Kennel
Club, to owners of Kennel Club registered hip scored Labrador Retrievers who were born between 2004 and 2007.
The study group is hoping to obtain questionnaires and samples from at least 2,000 Labrador Retrievers.
If you have a Kennel Club registered hip scored Labrador Retriever aged between four and seven years old
and would like to participate, or you simply want to find out more about the study, please visit the AHT
website www.aht.org.uk/labrador.html or email [email protected]
Celebrating equestrian excellence
Top athletes gathered at the AHT’s UK Equestrian Awards recently
to celebrate a fantastic year for British equestrianism.
The GBR World Equestrian Games Squad was presented with a
special British Equestrian Achievement Award in recognition of the
teams’ record haul of 19 medals. Awards were also presented to:
In 2011…
We’re pleased to announce that
we will be introducing a new
award. The Litovet Equine
Scientific Achievement Award
will be judged by a panel of top
equine vets and scientists. It will
recognise a person, group or
organisation whose work has
made a substantial difference to
the equine world.
The Litovet Racing Award – Richard Hannon
The Vion Food UK Ltd Dressage Award – Jane Goldsmith
The BSJ Showjumping Award – The gold medal winning Children
on Horses European team
The Jacksons (C.I.) Limited Eventing Award – Margaret Churchill
Petplan Equine Vet of the Year – David Denny from Worcestershire
The South East Essex Insurance Brokers Voluntary Service Award – Patrick Print OBE
2010 winners
The Martin Collins Special Award was presented to A P McCoy
in recognition of his almost 20-year jump racing career. Tony
‘AP’ McCoy has been British Jump Racing Champion Jockey for
the past 15 years and is widely regarded as the finest jump
jockey ever.
Hosted by HRH The Princess Royal, the AHT’s President, the
annual fundraising event raised more than £50,000 for the AHT.
6 I Animal Health Trust News
Focus on Fu
ndraising
Fireside Friends Christmas Appeal
A huge ‘thank you’ to all our supporters who
made a donation to our Christmas Appeal. We
had an amazing response and the appeal raised
more than £9,000! We received a wonderful
Christmas tale from Mrs Carol Jones which
made us smile so we thought we’d
share it with you....
Exhall & Bedworth Riding Club
Our thanks go to Exhall & Bedworth Riding Club
who recently raised £352.50 for the AHT. Pictured is
the AHT’s Colin Barker receiving the cheque.
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Jumpers and jumping!
For several years, Mrs Jean Parkes has
been knitting jumpers for the dogs in
our clinics. Her own dog Toby was
treated by our Ophthalmology team
and since then she has done whatever
she can to support our work.
As well as knitting a regular supply of
garments which are warmly welcomed
by our patients, Mrs Parkes also
fundraises for us. On her last visit, she
presented us with a cheque for £238 –
raised by her son, Scott, who had
abseiled from an office block!
More than 85 competitors took part in the 14th Annual Golf
Tournament at the Royal Jersey Golf Club. Thanks to our
Jersey Committee and Bunny Roberts £25,000 was raised for
our work.
Gstaad to the year!
We were honoured to be the benefitting charity of an
evening organised by Margot Bennett-Mathieson at the
Gstaad Yacht Club in Switzerland.
Hosted by HM King Constantine of Greece and attended by
our President, HRH The Princess Royal, the event raised
more than £90,000 for the AHT.
More than 70 people from across the world attended. Our
thanks go to Margot and Yacht Club Commodore, George
Nicholson for all their help.
We’re very grateful to Mrs Parkes and
all our fundraisers. There are many
more animals in need of our help.
Please do whatever you can to raise
funds too. Visit www.aht.org.uk for
ideas or call us on 01638 555648 and
we’ll be delighted to provide support
and advice.
7 I Animal Health Trust News
Your legacy is our future
One of the most important ways to help the AHT continue its
essential work for animals is by including a gift in your Will.
Thanks to previous legacy gifts, we have achieved many significant
advances in animal health and welfare. For example, we have
developed vaccines against equine flu and pioneered new ways to
treat glaucoma in dogs.
A legacy to the AHT not only helps animals today but will do so for
decades to come. That’s because our veterinary and scientific
breakthroughs reduce suffering not just for this generation and the next
but for all generations of horses, dogs and cats. Many of our supporters
tell us that’s why their personal legacy to the AHT is so special to them.
If you would like to find out more about leaving a legacy to the AHT,
we’d be pleased to send you our free guide. This will give you
important information you may need about making or changing a Will.
Our guide explains in simple language why it is important to make a Will and how best to do so. It also
outlines the various ways in which you can leave a legacy gift and how a gift to the AHT will make a lasting
difference to animal welfare.
If you would like to receive a copy of this guide kindly complete and return the form in the enclosed leaflet.
If you wish to find out more, email [email protected], or to discuss in private, call Andrew Simmonds on
01638 555648. Thank you for considering this very special gift.
Lanwades Park open to the public
We will shortly be opening our gates for you to enjoy our site at
weekends.
Lanwades Park, the perfect spot for walking, relaxing, picnicking and
exploring, will be open from 2nd April until the end of October.
We have a marked walk around the grounds and gardens for you and
your dog to enjoy. The walk takes about an hour and gives you the
opportunity to see Lanwades Hall, as
well as the stunning scenery.
We are updating our Visitors Centre so there’s lots more for you to see and do.
Our shop is now selling a whole range of new things, with perfect gift ideas for
everyone! Our Coffee Shop will be open seven days a week from April selling a
huge selection of delicious treats, as well as freshly made sandwiches, soups
and drinks.
We are also looking for volunteers to help us out. If you live locally and are
interested in giving us a hand in the Visitors Centre and shop, or around the
gardens and grounds, please email Sophia Waters at [email protected]
or call 01638 555620.
We hope plenty of you will visit us from April and look forward to meeting you then!
8 I Animal Health Trust News
Year of the pony!
2010 was the year of Pony Power and we’re delighted to be able to say
that in 2011 we’re going to be doing it all over again! We had such a
fantastic response to our Pony Power campaign that The Pony Club has
nominated us as its charity of the year again for 2011.
In 2010, more than 140 Pony Club Branches, Centres and their
Members raised more than £40,000 for our vital work. From sponsored rides to
quiz nights to one Pony Clubber’s very special fundraising event, the pennies have kept rolling
in enabling us to keep giving ponies power! This year, we‘re hoping to increase that total to £100,000 – if
we make this we will dedicate and name an equine research laboratory at the AHT after The Pony Club.
Top fundraiser
Fourteen year old Lauren Burton, a Member of the Burghley Pony Club
Branch, has alopecia. She was diagnosed with the hair-loss condition in
early 2010. Determined not to let it beat her, in October Lauren raised
more than £1,000 for our Pony Power campaign by shaving her head!
Lauren’s passion is her pony Mr. Fintastic and
because of the money she raised, Lauren and Fin will
shortly be taking part in an exclusive dressage clinic
with WEG silver medallist Laura Bechtolsheimer!
Laura kindly offered to visit the Pony Club Branch or
Centre who raised the most for the Pony Power
campaign in 2010. Lauren’s Pony Club Branch
Burghley raised more than £1,500, thanks to Lauren’s Fin heard Lauren was
contribution and the efforts of other Branch Members. going to shave her hair off!
The prizes keep on coming…
Our Pony Power raffle gave Branches and Centres the opportunity to win equipment by selling the winning
tickets. All proceeds from the raffle have been donated to the Pony Power campaign.
Stepney Bank Stables, an inner city community horse project based in Newcastle, won first prize - 12
portable cross-county fences, kindly supplied by Jump 1. Stepney Bank Stables were nominated by Mark
Skinner from Tyne and Wear who won the raffle’s £5,000 cash top prize!
Minchinhampton Pony Club Branch, from Gloucestershire, won a brand
new jumps trailer thanks to its nomination by Louise Mills who won the
second prize of £1,000 cash.
Third prize went to Tredegar Farmers Hunt Pony Club Branch, from
Cardiff, who thanks to Ian James won a selection of show jumps. Ian also
has reason to celebrate – having won £500 for himself!
Congratulations to all the winners. We would also like to thank Jeff and
Karn Whalley for their generous sponsorship of the raffle.
What’s next?
There will be lots of ways for you to support Pony Power in 2011. You can log onto www.ponypower.org.uk
to find out how you can get involved this year and start fundraising.